The publisher explained to him, in the kindest manner, that there was an enormous over-production of verse, and that it took a great part of one man's time simply to overhaul the cart-loads of it that were trying to get themselves into print with the _imprimatur_ of his famous house. "You're young, Mr. Hopkins. I advise you not to try to force your article of poetry on the market. The B----, our friend, there, that is, knows a thing that will sell as soon as he sees it. You are in independent circumstances, perhaps? If so, you can print--at your own expense--whatever you choose. May I take the liberty to ask your--profession?" Gifted explained that he was "clerk" in a "store," where they sold dry goods and West India goods, and goods promiscuous. "O, well, then," the publisher said, "you will understand me. Do you know a good article of brown sugar when you see it?" Gifted Hopkins rather thought he did. He knew at sight whether it was a fair, salable article or not. "Just so. Now our friend, there, knows verses that are salable and unsalable as well as you do brown sugar.--Keep quiet now, and I will go and get your manuscript for you.----There, Mr. Hopkins, take your poems,--they will give you a reputation in your village, I don't doubt, which is pleasant, but it will cost you a good deal of money to print them in a volume. You are very young: you can afford to wait. Your genius is not ripe yet, I am confident, Mr. Hopkins. These verses are very well for a beginning, but a man of promise like you, Mr. Hopkins, mustn't throw away his chance by premature publication! I should like to make you a present of a few of the books we publish. By and by, perhaps, we can work you into our series of poets; but the best pears ripen slowly, and so with genius.--Where shall I send the volumes?" Gifted answered, to parlor No. 6, Planet Hotel, where he soon presented himself to Master Gridley, who could guess pretty well what was coming. But he let him tell his story. "Shall I try the other publishers?" said the disconsolate youth. "I wouldn't, my young friend, I wouldn't. You have seen the best one of them all. He is right about it, quite right: you are young, and had better wait. Look here, Gifted, here is something to please you. We are going to visit the gay world together. See what has been left here this forenoon." He showed him two elegant notes of invitation requesting the pleasure of Professor Byles Gridley's and of Mr. Gifted Hopkins's company on Thursday evening, as the guests of Mrs. Clymer Ketchum, of 24 Carat Place. CHAPTER XXVI. MRS. CLYMER KETCHUM'S PARTY.